The two racing areas positioned along the pier provided a great show!
In the RS:X Class Men’s Medal Race, Shahar Zubari (ISR) saved the day by a one point margin after crossing the line in 7 th place to take Gold. “I saw that Julien was coming to win the medal race. I had a bad start and rounded the top mark in 7 th. The others were further back so I knew that was enough to win. I took it easy and tried to maintain my seventh place without taking too many risks. This is my first victory in an international event. I have to work more in the planning conditions as I am a better sailor in light wind.” This victory gives Zubari the third place in the ISAF Sailing World Cup.
Beijing Silver medallist, Julien Bontemps (FRA) won his first medal race to take second overall. “I took a good start, I was in front and then I increased my advance. I wanted to check my level in the breeze, it was a short test but very productive.” About the French teams winning five medal races Bontemps adds: “I knew the French had won four medal races and did motivate me to add another victory!”
In the RS:X Class Women’s Medal Race, Peina Chen held onto her 2 point lead, scoring a 6th place.
“I especially wanted to learn about racing in the breeze, I didn’t have any objective of winning the event but only to sail the medal race as a normal regatta, learn and do well.” Peina Chen’s biggest goal this year is to finish in the top three in the Chinese national Championship next May which will give the young windsurfer the right to represent China in the International circuit. Chen enters the Sailing World Cup in 16 th position, while Medal race winner Blanca Manchon (ESP) increases her lead in the SWC standings and takes bronze behind Bryony Shaw (GBR) in Silver.
Event Website: http://sof.ffvoile.net
RS:X Class Men's Results: http://sof.ffvoile.net/results/rsxm.htm
RS:X Class Women's Results: http://sof.ffvoile.net/results/rsxw.htm
Semaine Olympique Francaises 09: RS:X Class Medal Races
